Profile of neonatal septicaemia at a district-level sick newborn care unit

Clinical features and risk factors for death in acute undifferentiated fever: A prospective observational study in rural community hospitals in six states of India

BACKGROUND

Acute undifferentiated fever (AUF) ranges from self-limiting illness to life-threatening infections, such as sepsis, malaria, dengue, leptospirosis and rickettsioses. Similar clinical presentation challenges the clinical management. This study describes risk factors for death in patients hospitalized with AUF in India.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥5 y admitted with fever for 2-14 d without localizing signs were included in a prospective observational study at seven hospitals in India during 2011-2012. Predictors identified by univariate analysis were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Mortality was 2.4% (37/1521) and 46.9% (15/32) died within 2 d. History of heart disease (p=0.013), steroid use (p=0.011), altered consciousness (p<0.0001), bleeding (p<0.0001), oliguria (p=0.020) and breathlessness (p=0.015) were predictors of death, as were reduced Glasgow coma score (p=0.005), low urinary output (p=0.004), abnormal breathing (p=0.006), abdominal tenderness (p=0.023), leucocytosis (p<0.0001) and thrombocytopenia (p=0.001) at admission. Etiology was identified in 48.6% (18/37) of fatal cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding, cerebral dysfunction, respiratory failure and oliguria at admission, suggestive of severe organ failure secondary to systemic infection, were predictors of death. Almost half of the patients who died, died shortly after admission, which, together with organ failure, suggests that delay in hospitalization and, consequently, delayed treatment, contribute to death from AUF.

Contemporary Trends in Global Mortality of Sepsis Among Young Infants Less Than 90 Days: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

Current knowledge on the global burden of infant sepsis is limited to population-level data. We aimed to summarize global case fatality rates (CFRs) of young infants with sepsis, stratified by gross national income (GNI) status and patient-level risk factors.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on CFRs among young infants < 90 days with sepsis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2010 and September 2019. We obtained pooled CFRs estimates using the random effects model. We performed a univariate analysis at patient-level and a meta-regression to study the associations of gestational age, birth weight, onset of sepsis, GNI, age group and culture-proven sepsis with CFRs.

Results

The search yielded 6314 publications, of which 240 studies (N = 437,796 patients) from 77 countries were included. Of 240 studies, 99 were conducted in high-income countries, 44 in upper-middle-income countries, 82 in lower-middle-income countries, 6 in low-income countries and 9 in multiple income-level countries. Overall pooled CFR was 18% (95% CI, 17-19%). The CFR was highest for low-income countries [25% (95% CI, 7-43%)], followed by lower-middle [25% (95% CI, 7-43%)], upper-middle [21% (95% CI, 18-24%)] and lowest for high-income countries [12% (95% CI, 11-13%)]. Factors associated with high CFRs included prematurity, low birth weight, age less than 28 days, early onset sepsis, hospital acquired infections and sepsis in middle- and low-income countries. Study setting in middle-income countries was an independent predictor of high CFRs. We found a widening disparity in CFRs between countries of different GNI over time.

Conclusion

Young infant sepsis remains a major global health challenge. The widening disparity in young infant sepsis CFRs between GNI groups underscore the need to channel greater resources especially to the lower income regions.

Systematic Review Registration

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42020164321].

Bacteriological Profile and Outcome of Culture-Positive Neonatal Sepsis in a Special Newborn Care Unit Setting, Odisha

Introduction: Nearly one-third of neonatal mortality in India is due to neonatal sepsis and death occurs in 30% of culture-positive neonates. Pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are the most common bacteria responsible for neonatal sepsis in India and South Asia.

Materials and Methods: It was an observational study, conducted in special newborn care units (SNCUs) of Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from May 2017 to October 2019. All neonates (<28 days of life) with blood culture-positive sepsis were included in this study. Blood cultures were sent in all the babies with features of clinical sepsis. The demographic profile of neonates, clinical presentations, isolated organisms, and their sensitive patterns was recorded for analysis.

Results: Blood culture was sent in 445 suspected neonates with clinical sepsis out of which 115 blood culture positive organisms were isolated. Among the isolated organisms, 42 (35.6%) cases were Staphylococcus aureus followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (20.8%), E. coli (19.1%), K. pneumoniae (10.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (2.7%), Enterobacter spp.(4.3%), Enterococcus spp. (4.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.7%). S. aureus was the predominant organism found in both early and late-onset sepsis. All Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) are resistant to ampicillin whereas cephalosporin resistance was found in 68% of cases. Mortality due to sepsis was 8%.

Conclusion: S. aureus followed by CONS was found to be the most common cause of sepsis in SNCU. A high degree of resistance of organisms to penicillins and cephalosporins calls for a re-evaluation of antibiotic policy and protocols for empirical treatment in neonatal sepsis.

Bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility and factors associated with neonatal Septicaemia at Kilembe mines hospital, Kasese District Western Uganda

Introduction

Neonatal septicaemia is one of the most common leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It is estimated to affect more than 30 million people worldwide annually, potentially leading to 6 million deaths.

Objective(s)

To determine the prevalence, bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility and factors associated with neonatal septicaemia among neonates suspected to sepsis at Kilembe mines hospital.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, where purposive sampling technique was used and blood was drawn from 122 neonates suspected to sepsis attending Kilembe Mines Hospital during the period (July to November 2020). Specimens were inoculated in Brain heart infusion broth, transported to Fortportal Regional Referral Hospital, plated daily up to 7 days on blood, chocolate, MacConkey agar and incubated in aerobic and 5% carbondioxide. Pure colonies were identified by Gram stain, biochemical tests and antibiotic sensitivities obtained by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Associations were tested using Chi square with Fisher’s exact or Yates correction tests where necessary and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Stata (version 14) used for statistical analysis.

Results

Blood cultures were positive in 59.0% cases with 55.5% male and 44.4% female. EOS was present in 56.9% and LOS 43.1% of the cases. Gram negative (56.9%) organisms were most implicated with neonatal septicaemia than Gram positives ones (43.1%). Gram positive organisms exhibited better susceptibility to amikacin, linezolid and vancomycin but more resistant to ampicillin and gentamicin. Of the aminoglycosides, amikacin exhibited a verge over netilmicin and gentamicin against Gram negative isolates. Risk factors of neonatal septicaemia were mother’s age of ≥25 years, employed mothers, tertiary-level of education, SVD, ANC attendance of ≥4 times, UTI during pregnancy, PROMS, foul Smelling liquor, urban residence, neonatal birth weight of ≥2500 g, Apgar score 1st and 5th min ≥6 and resuscitation.

Conclusion

Multi-drug resistant organisms were isolated. Therefore caution is required in selection of antibiotic therapy and avoid empirical treatment.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Neonates with Bacterial Meningitis: a Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India

This study aimed to determine antimicrobial resistance pattern and predictors of adverse outcome in neonatal meningitis. A retrospective study by analyzing case files of 134 cases of neonatal meningitis. We noted an alarming degree of multidrug resistance (MDR) among both gram-negative (Klebsiella spp., 50%; Escherichia coli, 100%; and and Acinetobacter spp., 50%), as well as positive (Enterococcus, 100%) isolates in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. The incidence rate of adverse outcome (i.e., mortality and abnormal neurological examination at discharge) was 8.2 and 17.2%, respectively. On univariate analysis, delayed seeking of medical care, bulging anterior fontanelle, vomiting, positive sepsis screen, shock during hospital course, ventriculitis, diversion procedures for raised intracranial pressure, central line placement, low CSF sugar, and failed hearing screening test at discharge were associated with increased risk of adverse outcome. Further, delayed seeking of medical care, shock during hospital course, positive sepsis screen, thrombocytopenia, and MDR infections were independently found to be associated with adverse outcomes. An alarming degree of antimicrobial resistance among the CSF isolates necessitates the need to understand the pathogenesis of resistance and curtail the irrational prescription of antibiotics in neonatal meningitis. Further, delayed seeking of medical care, shock during hospital course, positive sepsis screen, thrombocytopenia, and MRD infection may have prognostic value in neonatal meningitis

Epidemiology, microbiological profile, and outcome of culture positive sepsis among outborn neonates at a tertiary hospital in Northern India

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To study the epidemiology, microbiological profile, and outcome of culture positive sepsis among outborn neonates at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Northern India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neonates (n = 406) with blood culture positive sepsis were enrolled prospectively over a period of 1 year (February 2018-January 2019). Demographic details, clinical features, microbiological profile, antibiotic sensitivity pattern, treatment, and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean (±SD) age at presentation was 2.4 (±0.6) days and 2/3rd were males. The mean (±SD) gestation was 35.5 (±3.4) weeks, birth weight was 2215 (±219) g, and 42.4% were preterm. The proportion of neonates with early and late onset sepsis were 69% and 31%, respectively. Predominant isolates were Gram-negative (46.5%), Gram-positive (27.6%) organisms, and yeast (25.9%). Klebsiella pneumoniae (46.5%), Acinetobacter baumannii (17.5%), and Escherichia coli (8%) were common Gram-negative; and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (70%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.4%), and Enterococcus (12.5%) were common Gram-positive organisms. Among Gram-negative organisms, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern was ciprofloxacin 45%, cephalosporins 15-40%, aminoglycosides 20-42%, piperacillin-tazobactam 49%, carbapenems 34-51%, tetracyclines 55-70%, doxycycline 55%, chloramphenicol 42%, and colistin 98%; and among Gram-positive organisms were methicillin 30%, clindamycin 52%, vancomycin 100%, teicoplanin 98%, and linezolid 99%. The survival rate was 60.3%. The neonates with Gram-negative sepsis had higher requirement of oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive drugs; had more complications; and lower survival (50.3% vs. 72.3%, p= .003) when compared to Gram-positive sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Gram-negative organisms were commonest cause of neonatal sepsis, had low sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics, and associated with poor outcome.

Neonatal Sepsis: The Impact of Carbapenem-Resistant and Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae

The convergence of a vulnerable population and a notorious pathogen is devastating, as seen in the case of sepsis occurring during the first 28 days of life (neonatal period). Sepsis leads to mortality, particularly in low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Klebsiella pneumoniae, an opportunistic pathogen is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis. The success of K. pneumoniae as a pathogen can be attributed to its multidrug-resistance and hypervirulent-pathotype. Though the WHO still recommends ampicillin and gentamicin for the treatment of neonatal sepsis, K. pneumoniae is rapidly becoming untreatable in this susceptible population. With escalating rates of cephalosporin use in health-care settings, the increasing dependency on carbapenems, a "last resort antibiotic," has led to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP). CRKP is reported from around the world causing outbreaks of neonatal infections. Carbapenem resistance in CRKP is largely mediated by highly transmissible plasmid-encoded carbapenemase enzymes, including KPC, NDM, and OXA-48-like enzymes. Further, the emergence of a more invasive and highly pathogenic hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP) pathotype in the clinical context poses an additional challenge to the clinicians. The deadly package of resistance and virulence has already limited therapeutic options in neonates with a compromised defense system. Although there are reports of CRKP infections, a review on neonatal sepsis due to CRKP/ hvKP is scarce. Here, we discuss the current understanding of neonatal sepsis with a focus on the global impact of the CRKP, provide a perspective regarding the possible acquisition and transmission of the CRKP and/or hvKP in neonates, and present strategies to effectively identify and combat these organisms.

Acinetobacter Sepsis Among Out-born Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Unit in Pediatric Emergency of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinical profile, complications, antibiotic resistance pattern, treatment, and outcome of out-born neonates with Acinetobacter spp. sepsis admitted in Pediatric emergency of a tertiary care hospital in North India.

METHODS

In this subgroup analysis of a prospective study (conducted over 1 y, February 2018 through January 2019), neonates with Acinetobacter spp. sepsis were included. The data collection included demographic details, clinical features, pre-referral treatment, complications, antibiotic resistance pattern, treatment, and final outcome.

RESULTS

Acinetobacter spp. accounted for 10.6% (43/406) of all isolates and 22.7% (43/189) of Gram-negative isolates. The median (IQR) age at presentation was 1 (1-2) d, 2/3rd were male, and 46.5% were preterm. All were admitted in peripheral hospitals before referral to authors' centre and all received intravenous antibiotics and fluids. The resistance to different antibiotics was: Ciprofloxacin 82%, cephalosporins 78-100%, amikacin 75%, pipercillin-tazobactum 62%, carbapenems 50-85%, chloramphenicol 83%, and tetracycline 50-60%. All isolates were sensitive to colistin. The survival rate was 37.2% (n = 16) and 62.8% (n = 27) had poor outcome [death and Left against medical advice (LAMA)]. Higher proportion of neonates with Acinetobacter sepsis had septic shock, multi-organ dysfunctional syndrome (MODS), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); and higher proportion required mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and had poor outcome compared to those with sepsis due to other organisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Acinetobacter spp. accounts for high burden of sepsis among out-born neonates and is associated with alarmingly high resistance to cephalosporins, fluroquinolones, aminoglycosides, pipercillin-tazobactum, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. Neonates with Acinetobacter spp. sepsis had higher rates of complications, requirement of mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs, and poor survival.

Alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance and fungal sepsis in outborn neonates in North India

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on the epidemiology of sepsis in outborn neonates being referred to level-3 units in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of sepsis and outcomes of outborn neonates with sepsis, and to characterize the pathogen profile and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of common isolates in them.

METHODS

In this prospective observational cohort study (2011-2015), a dedicated research team enrolled all neonates admitted to an outborn level-3 neonatal unit and followed them until discharge/death. Sepsis work-up including blood culture(s) was performed upon suspicion of sepsis. All the isolates were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Gram-negative pathogens resistant to any three of the five antibiotic classes (extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and piperacillin-tazobactam) were labeled multi-drug resistant.

RESULTS

Of the total of 2588 neonates enrolled, culture positive sepsis and total sepsis-i.e. culture positive and/or culture negative sepsis-was diagnosed in 13.1% (95% CI 11.8% to 14.5%) and 54.7% (95% CI 52.8% to 56.6%), respectively. The case fatality rates were 23.4% and 11.0% in culture-positive and total sepsis, respectively. Sepsis accounted for two-thirds of total neonatal deaths (153/235, 63.0%). Bacterial isolates caused about three-fourths (296/401; 73.8%) of the infections. The two common pathogens-Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 50, 12.5%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 46, 11.5%)-showed high degree of multi-drug resistance (78.0% and 91.3%, respectively) and carbapenem resistance (84.0% and 91.3%, respectively). About a quarter of infections were caused by Candida spp. (n = 91; 22.7%); almost three-fourths (73.7%) of these infections occurred in neonates born at or after 32 weeks' gestation and about two-thirds (62.1%) in those weighing 1500 g or more at birth.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large outborn cohort, we report high burden of sepsis, high prevalence of systemic fungal infections, and alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens.

Incidence and Determinants of Health Care-Associated Blood Stream Infection at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Ujjain, India: A Prospective Cohort Study

Very little is known about laboratory-confirmed blood stream infections (LCBIs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in resource-limited settings. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and causative agents of LCBIs in a level-2 NICU in India. The diagnosis of LCBIs was established using the Centre for Disease Control, USA criteria. A predesigned questionnaire containing risk factors associated with LCBIs was filled-in. A total of 150 neonates (43% preterm) were included in the study. The overall incidence of LCBIs was 31%. The independent risk factors for LCBIs were: preterm neonates (relative risk (RR) 2.23), duration of NICU stay more than 14 days (RR 1.75), chorioamnionitis in the mother (RR 3.18), premature rupture of membrane in mothers (RR 2.32), neonate born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (RR 2.32), malpresentation (RR 3.05), endotracheal intubation (RR 3.41), umbilical catheterization (RR 4.18), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR 3.17). The initiation of minimal enteral nutrition was protective from LCBIs (RR 0.22). The predominant causative organisms were gram-negative pathogens (58%). The results of the present study can be used to design and implement antibiotic stewardship policy and introduce interventions to reduce LCBIs in resource-limited settings.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of common isolates of neonatal sepsis, Ho Municipality, Ghana-2016

Background

Globally, 4 million neonates die annually, with one-third of such deaths occurring as a result of infections. In 2011, there were 7.2million deaths in children below 5 years globally, and a proportion of 40% of these deaths occurred in neonates. Sepsis was reported to account for one-third of these deaths. Presently, multidrug antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), particularly in developing countries and poses a threat to public health. The change in these organisms has been reported to vary across regions, between health facilities and even within the same facility. Continuous surveillance is required to inform antibiotic choice for neonatal sepsis management. We identified the common causative organisms of neonatal sepsis and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in the Ho municipality.

Method

A cross sectional study was conducted in the Ho municipality from January to May, 2016. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data from mothers of neonates with clinically suspected of sepsis. Clinical data of both mothers and neonates were extracted from case notes. A 2 ml volume of blood was also taken from neonates and dispensed into a 20 ml mixture of thioglycollate fluid broth and tryptone soy broth for culture and antibiotic susceptibility pattern determined.

Results

Out of the 150 clinically suspected neonatal sepsis cases, 91 (60.7%) were males. The Median gestational week was 38 (IQR: 36-39) and Median birthweight was 3.0 kg (IQR 2.5-3.4). The prevalence of culture positive sepsis was 17.3% of the 150 suspected cases. A total of 26 different pathogens were isolated, of which gram positive organisms had a preponderance of 18 (69%) over gram negative organisms 8 (31%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common 14 (53.8%) isolate identified. There was a single isolate (4%) each of Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli identified. All the isolates identified showed 100% resistance to ampicillin.

Conclusion

The prevalence of culture proven sepsis was 17.3% and Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolate identified. Pathogens isolated were resistant to the first line drugs for management of neonatal sepsis. Hence, the need for a review of first line drug for empirical treatment in neonatal sepsis.

Pathogenic bacteria distributions and drug resistance analysis in 96 cases of neonatal sepsis

Background

This study aimed to summarize common pathogens and associated drug resistance in neonatal sepsis (NS).

Methods

Blood culture and drug sensitivity results from 96 NS cases treated from January 2010 to August 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 97 pathogenic bacteria were detected from these 96 NS cases; Gram-positive cocci accounted for 76.3% of the cases, among which 70.1% involved coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CONS), whereas Gram-negative bacilli and fungi accounted for 19.6% and fungi 4.1% of cases, respectively. Gram-positive cocci exhibited a higher penicillin resistance rate and full vancomycin sensitivity, whereas Gram-negative bacilli exhibited a higher cephalosporin resistance rate, low meropenem resistance rate (6.7%), and no resistance to amikacin.

Conclusions

The main causative pathogens of NS in our hospital were Gram-positive cocci, among which coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp such as S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus were the main conditional pathogens; among Gram-negative pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae were most frequently isolated and showed widespread resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins.

Bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis in a secondary care hospital in rural Tamil Nadu, Southern India

Introduction:

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the world. The objective of the current study was to detect the common causative microorganisms of neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in a rural secondary hospital in Tamil Nadu, India.

Materials and Methods:

Neonates (0–28 days) admitted to this newborn care unit from October 2013 to September 2015, with a diagnosis of probable sepsis were studied. All the enrolled babies had blood cultures taken and were followed up till final outcome, which was discharge or death, irrespective of culture result. Univariate analysis was performed for factors associated with culture positivity, generating odds ratios, and confidence intervals.

Results:

Among the 107 babies with a diagnosis of probable sepsis, 28 (26.2%) had shown bacteria in culture. The majority (94.4%) were of early-onset sepsis. The predominant organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (10/28) and Klebsiella (6/28). 100% of Gram-negative bacilli and 90% of Staphylococcus were resistant to Ampicillin. Gentamicin resistance among Gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus was 52.9% and 20%, respectively, while third-generation cephalosporin resistance was 31.2% and 20%, respectively. Among the neonates diagnosed as probable sepsis, idiopathic prematurity (P = 0.007) was found to have a statistically significant association with culture-positive sepsis.

Conclusion:

The culture positivity rate among the neonates with probable sepsis in the current study was 26%. An alarmingly high degree of antibiotic resistance observed calls for robust infection control practices and an urgent evaluation and development of individual and national antibiotic policies for neonatal sepsis.

Serial C reactive protein values predict sensitivity of organisms to empirical antibiotics in neonates: a nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

It is common clinical practice to repeat serum C reactive protein (CRP) estimation in the first 48 h after starting empirical antibiotics for neonatal sepsis. The change in CRP is believed to indicate whether the empirical antibiotics are appropriate or not, but there is little evidence to support this practice.

METHODS

This was a nested case-control study on neonates with suspected sepsis (clinical signs+baseline CRP >10 mg/L). We drew samples for serum CRP at baseline and at 24, 36 and 48 h after starting empirical antibiotics and stored them at -20°C. Those with positive blood cultures were enrolled into two groups: those who had received empirical antibiotics to which the organism was sensitive ('sensitive') and those who had received antibiotics to which the organism was resistant ('resistant'). Stored samples of these subjects were assayed for CRP. Repeated CRP values were compared between groups by mixed linear models. We evaluated change in CRP from baseline as a diagnostic test for identifying empirical use of sensitive antibiotics.

RESULTS

We enrolled 45 and 44 subjects in 'sensitive' and 'resistant' groups, respectively. In the 'resistant' group, median CRP increased with time but decreased in the 'sensitive' group. Decline in CRP by 48 h identified the use of antibiotics to which the organism was sensitive with 89% sensitivity and 80% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Serial CRP values in the first 48 h of antibiotic therapy help to predict whether the causative organism is sensitive to the empirical antibiotics administered.

Bloodstream infections and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns in a tertiary care hospital of India

BACKGROUND

Invasion of the bloodstream by microorganisms constitutes one of the most serious situations in infectious disease. Microorganisms present in circulating blood whether continuously, intermittently, or transiently are a threat to every organ in the body. Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms vary depending upon the geography and the use of antibiotics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalent organisms causing bloodstream infection was conducted. BACTEC BD 9050 system was used to identify the causative organism, and sub-cultures were done on MacConkey Agar and Blood Agar. Antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was done using Kirby B Disk diffusion method.

RESULTS

A total of 170 patients were enrolled, and blood samples of 53 patients showed growth of organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated organism. Most of the Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. Most of the Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) showed sensitivity to cefoperazone/sulbactam followed by imipenem.

Access to effective antimicrobials: a worldwide challenge

Recent years have seen substantial improvements in life expectancy and access to antimicrobials, especially in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, but increasing pathogen resistance to antimicrobials threatens to roll back this progress. Resistant organisms in health-care and community settings pose a threat to survival rates from serious infections, including neonatal sepsis and health-care-associated infections, and limit the potential health benefits from surgeries, transplants, and cancer treatment. The challenge of simultaneously expanding appropriate access to antimicrobials, while restricting inappropriate access, particularly to expensive, newer generation antimicrobials, is unique in global health and requires new approaches to financing and delivering health care and a one-health perspective on the connections between pathogen transmission in animals and humans. Here, we describe the importance of effective antimicrobials. We assess the disease burden caused by limited access to antimicrobials, attributable to resistance to antimicrobials, and the potential effect of vaccines in restricting the need for antibiotics.

Empiric treatment of neonatal sepsis in developing countries

Infections are among the leading causes of neonatal mortality, and about 75% of the burden occurs in developing countries. Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in these countries is dependent on the recognition of a set of nonspecific clinical signs that maximize sensitivity because staff making initial assessments may not have specialist pediatric training. Accurate diagnosis is usually limited by the unavailability of reliable microbiological investigation. The World Health Organization recommends ampicillin (or penicillin; cloxacillin if staphylococcal infection is suspected) plus gentamicin for empiric treatment of neonates with suspected clinical sepsis or meningitis. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the causes of infection and antimicrobial susceptibility in developing countries to support these recommendations, especially in rural settings. Bacterial pathogens (predominantly Gram negative) with reduced susceptibility to empiric medication have been reported, with variations both between and within regions. Nosocomial infections with resistant organisms and high case fatality challenge the first-line use of cephalosporins. Improving local surveillance data using standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and validation of diagnostic algorithms against microbial findings are essential. Standardized reporting of treatment outcomes is required to evaluate practice, provide guidance on second-line regimes and for studies of new approaches, such as simplified community-based regimens, and to determine the appropriate duration of empiric treatment for apparently low-risk neonates with early resolution of clinical signs, or where available, negative blood cultures. Thus, a multifaceted approach, with attention to microbiological quality assurance, is needed to better guide antimicrobial use and reduce mortality and long-term impairments.

Management of neonatal sepsis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam: diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein and newborn scale of sepsis and antimicrobial resistance pattern of etiological bacteria

Background

We determined the accuracy of Rubarth’s newborn scale of sepsis and C- reactive protein in diagnosing neonatal sepsis and assessed antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of etiological bacteria.

Methods

This cross sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between July 2012 and March 2013. Neonates suspected to have sepsis underwent physical examination using Rubarth’s newborn scale of sepsis (RNSOS). Blood was taken for culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing, full blood picture and C – reactive protein (CRP) performed 12 hours apart. The efficacy of RNSOS and serial CRP was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis as well as likelihood ratios (LHR) with blood culture result used as a gold standard.

Results

Out of 208 blood samples, 19.2% had a positive blood culture. Single CRP had sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 70.9% respectively, while RNSOS had sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 79.7%. Serial CRP had sensitivity of 69.0% and specificity of 92.9%. Combination of CRP and RNSOS increased sensitivity to 95.6% and specificity of 56.4%. Combination of two CRP and RNSOS decreased sensitivity to 89.1% but increased specificity to 74%. ROC for CRP was 0.86; and for RNSOS was 0.81.

For CRP the LHR for positive test was 3 while for negative test was 0.18, while for RNSOS the corresponding values were 3.24 and for negative test was 0.43.

Isolated bacteria were Klebsiella spp 14 (35%), Escherichia coli 12 (22.5%), Coagulase negative staphlococci 9 (30%), Staphylococcus aureus 4 (10%), and Pseudomonas spp 1 (2.5%). The overall resistance to the WHO recommended first line antibiotics was 100%, 92% and 42% for cloxacillin, ampicillin and gentamicin, respectively. For the second line drugs resistance was 45%, 40%, and 7% for ceftriaxone, vancomycin and amikacin respectively.

Conclusions

Single CRP in combination with RNSOS can be used for rapid identification of neonates with sepsis due to high sensitivity (95.6%) but cannot exclude those without sepsis due to low specificity (56.4%). Serial CRP done 12hrs apart can be used to exclude non-cases. This study demonstrated very high levels of resistance to the first-line antibiotics.

Burkholderia cepacia sepsis among neonates

Burkholderia cepacia is a rare cause of sepsis in newborns and its transmission involves human contact with heavily contaminated medical devices and disinfectants. The authors aimed to determine epidemiology, clinical features, antibiotic sensitivity pattern, complications and outcome of blood culture proven B. cepacia infections in 12 neonates. All neonates were outborn, 5 preterm and 7 term. B. cepacia was isolated from blood in all and concurrently from CSF in three neonates. Lethargy and respiratory distress (41.7 %) were major presenting features. Five newborns (41.7 %) required mechanical ventilation for 3-7 d. Highest bacterial susceptibility was observed for meropenem (100 %), followed by cefoperazone-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (all 83 %), ceftazidime (75 %) and ciprofloxacin (42 %). Piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole either singly or in combination led to complete recovery of 11 (91.7 %) newborns; one developed hydrocephalus. Eight of nine infants who completed 6 mo follow up were normal. Prompt recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy for B. cepacia infection results in complete recovery in majority.

Effective Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Infection in neonates continues to be a global problem with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is complicated by nonspecific clinical symptomatology, a high-false negative rate, and a delay in obtaining blood culture results. An ideal biomarker needs to have a high degree of accuracy in recognizing the presence or absence of definite infection at an early stage, to guide the initiation and duration of antibiotic therapy. The diagnostic utility of the following biomarkers seems to be most practical in the early (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, neutrophil CD64), mid (procalcitonin) and late (C-reactive protein) phases of neonatal sepsis. Future research studies to assess reliability of these biomarkers should be (1) adequately powered for sample size and (2) use the gold-standard definition of blood-culture proven pathogen-specific sepsis. Significant advances in diagnostic accuracy of novel biomarkers to allow early, accurate, and cost-effective identification of pathogens responsible for neonatal sepsis is anticipated in the next 5 years.

Antibiotic use and emerging resistance: how can resource-limited countries turn the tide?

Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis driven by appropriate and inappropriate antibiotic use to treat human illness and promote animal growth. The antimicrobial resistance epidemic continues to spread due to the triple threat of unfettered access, minimal product regulation and oversight of antibiotic prescription, and lack of clinical diagnostic tools to support antibiotic de-escalation in low-resource settings. In high-resource settings, evidence-based strategies have improved the appropriateness of antibiotic use, limiting the spread of drug-resistant organisms and reducing hospital-associated infections, strategies which may also be effective to stop the spread of resistance in resource-poor countries. Current research and surveillance efforts on antimicrobial resistance and hospital-associated infections in low-resource settings are extremely limited and largely focused on intensive care units. Many challenges exist to improving antibiotic use and infection control in resource-limited settings, and turning the tide requires intensifying research and surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and developing new bedside diagnostic tools for bacterial infections and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Antibiotic resistance-the need for global solutions

The causes of antibiotic resistance are complex and include human behaviour at many levels of society; the consequences affect everybody in the world. Similarities with climate change are evident. Many efforts have been made to describe the many different facets of antibiotic resistance and the interventions needed to meet the challenge. However, coordinated action is largely absent, especially at the political level, both nationally and internationally. Antibiotics paved the way for unprecedented medical and societal developments, and are today indispensible in all health systems. Achievements in modern medicine, such as major surgery, organ transplantation, treatment of preterm babies, and cancer chemotherapy, which we today take for granted, would not be possible without access to effective treatment for bacterial infections. Within just a few years, we might be faced with dire setbacks, medically, socially, and economically, unless real and unprecedented global coordinated actions are immediately taken. Here, we describe the global situation of antibiotic resistance, its major causes and consequences, and identify key areas in which action is urgently needed.